Test of shame! Lebanese protest against anal probe for suspected gays

Lebanese demonstrators hold signs against anal “tests” on men suspected of homosexuality during a protest in Beirut on August 11, 2012.(AFP Photo / Anwar Amro)

Lebanese are protesting in Beirut against the use of anal examinations on men suspected of homosexuality and “virginity tests” for women. Same sex relations in the Arab country are considered a crime and punishable by up to one year in jail.

Lebanese demonstrators gathered outside the law courts in the capital holding banners that read “United to abolish the tests of shame”.

Lebanon-based HELEM, considered the Arab world’s first and leading lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights group, called for the rally under the slogan: “Stand up against the tests of shame, vaginal or anal.”

One sign read: “The cost of forensic rape: 125,000 Lebanese lira” (about $85), pointing out that the men subjected to the anal probes were being charged for the procedure, AFP reports.